We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
WiseGEEK

Advertiser Disclosure

Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

How We Make Money

We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently from our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

What is the Ejection Fraction for Heart Failure?

By Jodee Redmond
Updated Feb 15, 2024
Our promise to you
WiseGEEK is dedicated to creating trustworthy, high-quality content that always prioritizes transparency, integrity, and inclusivity above all else. Our ensure that our content creation and review process includes rigorous fact-checking, evidence-based, and continual updates to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

Editorial Standards

At WiseGEEK, we are committed to creating content that you can trust. Our editorial process is designed to ensure that every piece of content we publish is accurate, reliable, and informative.

Our team of experienced writers and editors follows a strict set of guidelines to ensure the highest quality content. We conduct thorough research, fact-check all information, and rely on credible sources to back up our claims. Our content is reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy and clarity.

We believe in transparency and maintain editorial independence from our advertisers. Our team does not receive direct compensation from advertisers, allowing us to create unbiased content that prioritizes your interests.

The ejection fraction for heart failure is a number used to determine how effectively a patient's heart is pumping. An ejection fraction of 55 percent is an indication that the heart is working well. Patients with a ejection fraction number under 40 may be in heart failure and need medical treatment to improve this organ's function. A doctor can order tests and suggest a course of treatment that may include lifestyle changes and medications if heart failure is confirmed.

The heart works like a pump inside the body to keep organs, muscles and cells supplied with oxygenated blood. A normal heart beat has a "ka-thump" rhythm, which indicates the muscle contracting and then relaxing in between beats. When the heart muscle contracts, this movement pushes blood out of the ventricles, which are the large lower chambers of this organ. The ventricles fill up with blood again when the heart is relaxing.

At no point does the beating of the heart completely empty the ventricles of blood. The ejection fraction refers to the amount of blood that is being pumped out of the ventricles every time the heart beats. The ejection fraction for heart failure and to determine the heart's pumping efficiency is usually measured using the left ventricle, since this is section responsible for the heart's main pumping action.

Using this method of measuring heart health, the ejection fraction for heart failure is lower than the "normal" reading of 55 or higher. If this figure is between 40 and 55, it can be a sign that the heart muscle has been damaged and is not pumping efficiently. When the figure falls below 40, it could indicate that the individual is in heart failure

Other medical conditions that can cause the heart to pump at less than its normal capacity. The ejection fraction for heart failure number can also indicate an issue with the heart valves. Another possibility is that the heart has been affected by a disorder that targets the muscle itself and weakens it.

It is possible for a person to pass the ejection fraction for heart failure test and still be in heart failure. In a situation where the muscle in the patient's ventricle has thickened and is no longer pliable, it may not hold as much blood as a healthy person's heart. Less blood in the chamber means the body is not being supplied with the nutrients and oxygen it needs to stay healthy.

WiseGEEK is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
See our Editorial Process Share Feedback

Related Articles

Discussion Comments

WiseGEEK, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGEEK, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.